This bill proposes several updates to the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, specifically amending sections 12-1175, 33-1368, and 33-1377. Key changes include the introduction of mandatory settlement conferences for cases involving material breaches of lease agreements or failure to pay rent. These conferences must occur within five days of the eviction notice being served, requiring both landlords and tenants to present relevant documentation. If either party fails to appear, the consequences include case dismissal for landlords and default judgment against tenants. Additionally, the court will track and report data related to these settlement conferences.

The bill also modifies existing procedures regarding the issuance of summons and the reinstatement of rental agreements. It clarifies that summons for certain actions must be issued not later than the next judicial day and specifies that the rental agreement can be reinstated if the tenant pays all past due rent and associated fees before a special detainer action is filed. Furthermore, it emphasizes that the list of actions constituting a material and irreparable breach is not exhaustive, thereby broadening the scope of potential breaches that landlords can address. Overall, these amendments aim to streamline the eviction process while ensuring that both parties have the opportunity to resolve disputes before court proceedings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 12-1175, 33-1368, 33-1377, 33-1341, 13-1102, 13-1103, 13-1104, 13-1105, 13-3211, 13-105, 13-2308, 13-3451, 13-1202, 13-1203, 12-991, 12-1181, 33-1370